Mountain-bike Leader Award

This course is particularly beneficial for those who wish to gain employment or work as independent operators within the travel industry. It is also very popular with teachers, youth leaders, scout leaders etc. who have benefited from a recognised qualification.

This is a 2 day course. The first day covers all aspects of the syllabus to ensure each candidate has the required knowledge and understanding of the content. The second day involves the candidates assessment in a group ride scenario where each candidate will be taking the lead role and managing the group and any situations that may arise.

MIAS Mountain Bike Leader Level One (MBL1) – Non Technical Terrain – (2 days) this award allows access into low-level terrain, with few potential hazards, i.e. country parks, canal towpaths, and non-wilderness areas where help is almost immediately accessible. Includes blue forest trail routes. There is an alternative for the younger person to take the:

MIAS Assisting Mountain Bike Leader Level One (AMBL) – Non technical Terrain – (2 days) this award allows access into low-level terrain, with few potential hazards. This is a site specific award designed for organisations such as outdoor center’s that primary use MTB on site and the AMBL is working under the guidance of a qualified MIAS MTB member of staff.

MIAS Mountain Bike Leader Level Two (MBL2) – Technical Terrain – (2 days +) this award allows access into open country, with the potential hazards that surround such terrain. The leader will operate within 30 minutes of cycling assistance. AALS may also require you to hold additional qualifications to work in this terrain. Includes red forest trail routes.

“This award is used outside the UK in altitudes above 600 meters to lead groups on cycle/mountain bike routes that are defined by map and ground. (Consideration should be given to MBL3 for leading groups in harsh mountain terrain on non-recognised routes).”

MIAS Mountain Bike Leader Level Three (MBL3) – Mountainous Terrain – (2 days +) this level covers areas defined as mountainous by the Mountain Training UK, but excludes ridges and potential hazardous routes such as ridges or routes involving scrambling. To lead groups on accessible routes to cyclists that are defined by map and ground. AALS may also require you to hold additional qualifications to work in this terrain (e.g. ML, WGLA or equivalent MOD qualifications. Includes red/black forest trail routes.

Both Level 1 & 2 courses are run together. Candidates & the course instructor will decide after the initial assessment period which certification the individual candidates will undergo on the course, Level 1 or Level 2. The course has national accreditation with The Association of British Cycle Coaches (A.B.C.C.), Cyclist’s Touring Club (C.T.C.) and is recognised by the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA), Adventuremark.

RQF Courses

MIAS has been instrumental in the development of RQF Mountain Bike accreditation, working with the Awarding Body IAO.

MIAS Currently offers:

RCF/IAO Level 2 Award in Assisting Mountain Bike Activity Leadership

RCF/IAO Level 3 Certificate in Mountain Bike Activity Leadership. (These RQF MTB courses are available for other organisations to use).

We also have a new course IAO RQF L3 Cycle Maintenance

Tutor Levels

MIAS Mountain Bike Tutor Level Four (MTB4)

– Train AMBL, MBL1 and MBL2 – Assess AMBL and MBL1

MIAS Mountain Bike Tutor Level Five (MTB5)

– Train (as above) + MBL3 – Assess MBL2

MIAS Mountain Bike Tutor Level Six (MBT6)

– Train (as above) – Assess MBL3 (Assessor Must have ML)

Additional MIAS Mountain Bike Awards:

Fast Track Award/Mountain Bike Conversion Course (FTMBL)

Available for those holding qualifications with CTC, OTC, SMBLA, MBLA, BC, BSCA, MBCuk.

MIAS is currently mapping across the award together with MBCuk to develop a

European Licence for MTB Guides

Course syllabus

Group management

Communication

Coaching skills

Navigation

Route planning

Risk assessment

Management

Legal issues

Recording systems

Access & conservation.

Equipment requirements

Riding skills

Emergency repairs

The syllabus shown assessed to meet MIAS requirements by the following methods-

Candidates who wish to be assessed at Level 1 must be able to demonstrate basic off-road riding skills and have a current First Aid Certificate or be working towards obtaining one.

Candidates who wish to be assessed at Level 2 must be able to demonstrate strong off road riding skills including step drops (up to 1/2 metre), descending / braking in a controlled manner, effective climbing and pedaling techniques in rough / rocky terrain. Have a current First Aid Certificate or be working towards obtaining one